but he was perceived to blame the american people for the failures of america. and the public does not want to be blamed. we expect our leaders to inspire us and to help us aspire to something greater. jimmy carter was, it is our fault, it is our responsibility, and that is the issue of sacrifice that i frankly want people of both political parties -- if you talk about sacrifice, the public is not going to say no. if you talk about shared sacrifice, the public says yes. host: george w. bush in a compassionate conservative campaign. guest: no one believes that conservatives are compassionate. they are tough and smart on the issues, but compassion? liberals are compassionate. some republicans will complain on me, but it is not believable. do not tell people something that they will not believe. host: with regard to president obama, you say -- the american people believe that he is forcing a partisan divide wider. guest: the labeling is not helpful for you talk about what a person has done. but when you claim your centrist, you have to look to policy not just your